Malgorzata Gersdorf

Critics call the reforms a step-by-step takeover of institutions vital to democracy. 

As determined as PiS is to restructure the system, others are equally bent on resisting the changes. From street protests to legal challenges by judges and lawyers, the backlash has been considerable.

Poland’s president on Monday (24 July) vetoed controversial judicial reforms that had prompted huge street protests and threats of unprecedented EU sanctions.

President Andrzej Duda’s veto was a surprise move as he is a close ally of the ruling rightwing Law and Justice (PiS) party that had pushed the reforms.